Spitzer Observations of Arp 94: Mid-IR Evidence of Accretion onto a Dwarf Seyfert?

P. Appleton, L. Armus, B. Brandl, V. Charmandaris, V. Domingue, C. Engelbracht, G. Helou, S. Lord, Carole Mundell, J. Rho, H. Spoon, S. Stolovy, J. Surace, H. Teplitz

Research output: Chapter or section in a book/report/conference proceedingChapter or section

Abstract

We present Spitzer observations of the interacting galaxy pair Arp 94 (NGC 3226/7) with IRAC, MIPS and the IRS. The observations, which show a wealth of structure within the Seyfert galaxy NGC 3227, also include the elliptical companion NGC 3226 (containing a "Dwarf Seyfert" nucleus). In this paper we describe the discovery of powerful PAH and molecular hydrogen emission from within NGC 3226. IRS observations show the molecular hydrogen is spatially extended, whereas the PAH emission is confined to the nucleus. In addition we present the discovery of PAH-emitting dust globules, and a possible accretion stream associated with NGC 3226--seen only at 8 microns with IRAC. The dust plume is closely associated with a kinematically distinct structure near the based of a large HI plume extending away from the galaxy. The observations suggest a connection between large-scale accretion, a known slowly rotating stellar disk, a starburst core and the AGN in NGC 3666.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBulletin of the American Astronomical Society
Subtitle of host publicationVolume 36
PublisherAmerican Astronomical Society
Pages1537
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2004

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